VehicleVerdict

2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 0 complaints on file for the 2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

0

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2021 compare to other Explorer Police Intercept years?

Explorer Police Intercept NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted29 complaints2013: 0 complaints2014: 0 complaints2015: 7 complaints2016: 29 complaints2017: 9 complaints2018: 2 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 0 complaints2021: 0 complaints
Explorer Police Intercept NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Explorer Police Intercept years to avoid →

Does the 2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V255000TransmissionApril 14, 2022 · 252,936 units

Defect

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Explorer Police FHEV, Explorer Police 3.3L, and 2020-2022 Explorer 2.3L RWD, 3.0L PHEV, 3.3L FHEV, and 3.0L ST GAS vehicles. The rear axle horizontal mounting bolt may fracture and cause the driveshaft to disconnect.

Consequence

A disconnected driveshaft can result in vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is placed in 'Park' without the parking brake applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the bushing and axle cover, or update the electronic parking brake software. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022, and March 10, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed June 9, 2022. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 22S27.

2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept — common questions

Is the 2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept reliable?

The record is thin — 0 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Ford Explorer Police Intercept. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.